Club condemns 'derogatory' language towards official

Gillingham FC says it is investigating after away supporters reportedly used "offensive and derogatory language" towards a match official during an away game

Gillingham Football Club says it is investigating after reports that "offensive and derogatory language" was hurled at a match official during the club's first game of the season.

Joe Comper, managing director of the club, said he and owners Brad and Shannon Galinson were "extremely disappointed" to hear about reports of the behaviour of some fans during the club's away game against Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

The club added that any fans found guilty would be banned from Priestfield Stadium and from away fixtures.

It further warned the club could be fined or face "even more severe punishments" if issues persist.

Mr Comper said: "We have gone on record before, and will reiterate now, that we will not tolerate any form of discriminatory or derogatory language or behaviour."

Gillingham kicked off their 2025/26 campaign in League Two with a 1-1 draw against Accrington.

The club will play its first home game of the season on 9 August against Walsall.

In October 2023, a Gillingham supporter received a lifetime ban from the club after being found to have made a racist gesture towards Newport County striker Omar Bogle during a game at Priestfield.

The club was also charged with three counts of misconduct by the Football Association in May 2023.